Post job

Information services librarian vs public services librarian

The differences between information services librarians and public services librarians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an information services librarian and a public services librarian. Additionally, an information services librarian has an average salary of $50,588, which is higher than the $49,867 average annual salary of a public services librarian.

The top three skills for an information services librarian include library services, library resources and university libraries. The most important skills for a public services librarian are library services, collection development, and reference services.

Information services librarian vs public services librarian overview

Information Services LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Yearly salary$50,588$49,867
Hourly rate$24.32$23.97
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs110,87862,620
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

Information services librarian vs public services librarian salary

Information services librarians and public services librarians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Information Services LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Average salary$50,588$49,867
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $73,000Between $35,000 And $70,000
Highest paying City-Santa Rosa, CA
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Yale University
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between information services librarian and public services librarian education

There are a few differences between an information services librarian and a public services librarian in terms of educational background:

Information Services LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Most common majorLibrary ScienceLibrary Science
Most common collegeNew York UniversityNew York University

Information services librarian vs public services librarian demographics

Here are the differences between information services librarians' and public services librarians' demographics:

Information Services LibrarianPublic Services Librarian
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 29.8% Female, 70.2%Male, 41.9% Female, 58.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 4.9% White, 76.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 4.9% White, 77.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between information services librarian and public services librarian duties and responsibilities

Information services librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Provide opportunities for students to use the library for class-relate research, individual investigation, independent reading, and personal inquiry.
  • Provide client services such as inter-library loans, ordering of new materials and instruction on use of library OPAC.

Public services librarian example responsibilities.

  • Manage integrated library system including OPAC, serials control, cataloging and acquisitions.
  • Perform original and copy cataloging of new acquisitions.
  • Perform various technical services including cataloging, weeding, and authority control.
  • Provide opportunities for students to use the library for class-relate research, individual investigation, independent reading, and personal inquiry.
  • Provide client services such as inter-library loans, ordering of new materials and instruction on use of library OPAC.

Information services librarian vs public services librarian skills

Common information services librarian skills
  • Library Services, 21%
  • Library Resources, 14%
  • University Libraries, 10%
  • Reference Services, 9%
  • Research Assistance, 8%
  • Library System, 8%
Common public services librarian skills
  • Library Services, 15%
  • Collection Development, 10%
  • Reference Services, 9%
  • Library Policies, 8%
  • Technical Publications, 7%
  • Technical Manuals, 6%

Browse education, training, and library jobs